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School: Alabama Pick 20, Round 1 , Overall 20 Was rated by some as the top prospect in the state of Mississippi coming out of high school. Third-year junior. Played in every game as a true freshman in 1994 and had 26 tackles, two interceptions and two fumbles caused. Returned an interception for a touchdown to give Alabama a short-lived, 23-17 lead in the Southeastern Conference championship game vs. Florida as a freshman. Team's top tackler and leading linebacker in '95, when he had 91 stops, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. All-SEC and Associated Press SEC Defensive Player of the Year in '96, when he had 74 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. Got his second interception of the year in the Outback Bowl vs. Michigan, returned it 88 yards for a score and was named player of the game. Superior athletic ability and movement skills. Strong upper body and an NBA-like 39-5 vertical jump. Outstanding balance and body control. Very quick hands and feet. Excellent knee bender. Can break down and explode through the ballcarrier. Runs like a halfback and can fly to the ball. Outstanding ability to change directions. All-around linebacker with great range to the ball. Can drop into coverage, cover one-on-one, blitz off the corner or play the run. Uses great athleticism to slip blocks. Seems to be fairly aware in pass coverage and makes plays on the ball. Has games when he seems to be around the ball on every play. Lacks experience. Could use additional skill development. Is not always as physical as you would like. Does not have as many dominating games as Cornelius Bennett or Derrick Thomas had, but part of that may be the defense and what he is free to do. Defensive stats and number of big plays are less than you would expect from a player with his talent. Has a chance to be everything you want an outside linebacker to be if he continues to develop. Is not Bennett or Thomas yet, but he has similar athletic ability, movement skills and potential. |
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